FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES... 

 (for "Events," please scroll down)

$700,000 for Cleantech Manufacturing
The Portland Development Commission has issued a call for proposals from manufacturers interested in working with Oregon universities to enter, or expand into, the cleantech sector, including green building and renewable energy. In collaboration with the Northwest Collaboratory for Sustainable Manufacturing, the PDC seeks proposals from companies that would share a $700,000 investment and be paired with R&D expertise from Oregon universities. Pre-proposal meetings: May 1 and May 18. Submission deadline: May 30. More info.

$15M to Research Biomass-Based Supplements for Traditional Fuels
The U.S. Energy Department's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy has announced up to $15 million available for research of biomass-based oil supplements, known as "bio-oils," that could be integrated into the oil refining processes that make conventional gasoline, diesel, and jet fuels without requiring modifications to existing fuel distribution networks or engines. Letter of intent deadline: May 1. Full application deadline: May 29. More info.

Ocean Wave Energy Trust (OWET) Funding Opportunity
OWET, funded by the Oregon Innovation Council, is accepting applications for its Commercialization Grant Program, designed to help wave energy startups move their technology closer to being ocean-ready and nurture the industry in the state. The trust has $200,000 for startups working toward commercialization. More info.

BPA Technology Innovation Opportunity Funding
The Bonneville Power Administration's Technology Innovation Office requests proposals that advance technologies/capabilities based on agency research guidance and strategic needs identified in the agency's Technology Roadmaps and Topic Areas. In fiscal year 2013, BPA has approximately $4.5 - 6 million of funding available for new projects. Concept deadline: April 4. Full application deadline: May 16. More info.

SBIR/STTR Phase I Release 3 Funding Opportunity
The U.S. Dept. of Energy has released research topics for its Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program Funding Opportunity. Pre-application deadine: May 1. Topics and more info.

Bridging Research Interactions through collaborative Development Grants in Energy (BRIDGE) Program
The U.S. Dept. of Energy has just announced $9 million in funding through its new BRIDGE program. Applied research teams will be able to access the tools and staff expertise at existing DOE Office of Science research facilities so fundamental scientific discoveries can be rapidly transitioned to existing product lines and projects. Deadline for optional letters of intent: April 25. Full applications due: May 21. More info.

New Export Assistance Grants for Trade Shows/Missions
The U.S. Small Business Administration has awarded Business Oregon a $375,000 STEP (State Trade and Export Promotion) grant to help Oregon businesses access critical export markets. Oregon companies might be eligible to receive grants of up to $5,000 from Business Oregon. Funding can be used for trade show or trade mission participation fees, booth costs, freight costs to and from a trade show, interpreter/translator fees, etc. For more info, visit this Business Oregon's website.
 
SBIR/STTR Assistance Funding Program for Oregon Businesses
Helps Oregon small businesses access federal funding opportunities by providing matching funds for SBIR/STTR (Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer) proposal preparation. If approved, Business Oregon will match the applicant's contribution (1:1) for one of three eligible expenditures: (1) a proposal writing consultant; (2) a proposal review consultant; or (3) attendance at a qualified SBIR/STTR conference. More info.
 
SunShot Incubator Program Funding Opportunity
The U.S. Dept. of Energy is soliciting proposals for the SunShot Incubator Program that will bring to market novel technologies capable of achieving cost-reduction goals in any area of solar energy deployment. This funding opportunity is aimed at helping small businesses and entrepreneurs develop both hardware and non-hardware solutions that will make solar more accessible for Americans.Areas of interest include, but are not limited to: Photovoltaics, Concentrating Solar Power, Balance of Systems, Power Electronics, Tools to Reduce Non-Hardware Costs, Plug-and-Play Wiring and Installation Techniques, Energy Storage. Concept paper deadline: April 9. Full application deadline: May 29. More info.

Saint-Gobain's NOVA Innovation Competition
Saint-Gobain rewards innovations in the fields of construction products, advanced materials, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability with cash prizes ($50K 1st prize, $25K 2nd prize, and $10K 3rd prize) and consideration for partnership opportunities with the company. Winners selected at Greenbuild 2012 in San Francisco. Submission deadline: June 30, 2012. More info.

IEEE Special Issue on Energy Storage Applications for Smart Grid
Call for submissions discussing emerging energy storage options, business models for energy storage applications, performance of energy storage applications, and novel energy storage applications such as demand response programs and virtual energy storage options. Deadlne: June 30. More info.

UPCOMING EVENTS...

June 13-14, 2012
SunShot Grand Challenge: Summit and Technology Forum
This event marks the first time the top minds in solar—scientists, utility companies, manufacturers, and policymakers—working on the common SunShot goal will come together in one place. Event features distinguished speakers (including U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu), highlights of progress made by more than 250 SunShot Initiative awardees, and identifies  central issues to resolve in order to reach the Energy Department’s SunShot goals. Denver, CO.

June 22-24, 2012 
6th Annual Biomimicry Education Summit
At this Summit, educators from around the world gather to discuss how biomimicry can provide the next generation with a roadmap for systems thinking, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and sustainable innovation. (For information about scholarships available to Oregon BEST Member Faculty, contact Johanna Brickman at Oregon BEST.) Portland, OR

July 31-August 4, 2012

Ecosystem Services Partnership Conference

Theme of this 5th annual conference is Ecosystem Services Come of Age: Linking Science, Policy, and Participation for Sustainable Human Well-Being. Three sections include: Science: Quantifying, mapping, modeling, and valuing ES; Policy: Institutions, governance and management of ES; Participation: Communicating, coordinating, and implementing ES. Portland, OR

September 12, 2012 
Oregon BEST FEST '12
The Pacific Northwest’s premier cleantech innovation conference, Oregon BEST FEST convenes university researchers, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and others to envision, build, and accelerate solutions to environmental challenges that deliver prosperity in all corners of Oregon. Early-Bird Rates Available Now!

LINKS TO RELAVENT EVENTS CALENDARS...

Oregon Entrepreneurs Network events calendar

TiE (The Indus Entrepreneurs) Oregon events calendar

Sustainable Business Oregon events calendar

PAST EVENTS & PRESENTATIONS...

Oregon BEST FEST '11 The Pacific Northwest’s premier expo and networking event for renewable energy and sustainable built environment research, development, and commercialization brought together  researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders. Read more about the 2011 event HERE.

Oregon BEST FEST '10: Wrapup and Presentations  

Oregon BEST FEST '09: Wrapup and Presentations

Oregon BEST - OSEIA Solar Energy R&D Roundtable (Sept. 13, 2011)

Fast Pyrolysis & Woody Biomass Workshop (sponsored by Oregon BEST)

FINAL REPORT: Oregon BEST Biobased Products Rural Outreach Project (PDF)

Green Building Working Meeting, Portland (presentations & reports)